Improvement in post-hole excavators



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Leners Patent No. 94,790, zaad'sepmer 14, 1869.'

IMPROVEMENT POST-HOLE EXCAVATORS.

The Schedule referred to in these Letters Patent and making part ofthelame.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY SUTLIFF, of Waverly, in the county of Tioga,and State of New York, have invented a new and improved Post-HoleExcavator;

and I do herebydeolare that the following'is a full and exactdescription thereof, reference being` had to the accompanying drawings,making part of this specication, in which- Figure I is a side elevationof my improved instrument, in the position it is when withdrawn from theearth.

Figure II is a plan of the semi-cylindrical portion, as it appears whenthrust into the ground.

Figurel III is a plan of the same after its sides have been compressedand the slide connected therewith, preparatory to drawing it from thehole.

Like let-ters refer to like partsv in each of the figures.

My improved excavator consists of a semi-cylindrical or U-formed spade,`of a diameter equal to that of the required post-hole, which is forcedinto the ground to the required depth of the hole, when its sides,i atthe top, are compressed, by means of a cross-rod. and nut, so as topermit a slide to be connectedl with the edges thereof, which isl thenforced into the earth, whereby the instrument is partially freed fromcontact withthe sides of the hole, and the dirtl within the instrumentsufficiently compressed to he retained therein and withdrawn with theinstrument.

In the drawings- A represents the ,U-formed portion of my instrument,slightly tapering toward the lower end, and preferably made of steel,with sharpened lover end, of suitable thickness and strength to adapt itt .Withstand the strain it is subjected to in being forced into theearth. It is provided with suitable handles b b, for holding andwithdrawing it from the ground.

O cross-rod, connecting the sides near the top, provided with ahand-nut, c, by which the sides are compressed, as before stated,andwith a stop, c', which prevents the contraction beyond thedegreenecessary to "permit the engagement therewith of the slide I).This slide is preferably made of slightly curved form, and of suit-ablestrength and material, and with a sharpened lower end, to enable it tobe readily thrusty into the earth. Its edges are turned inward, so as toengage with the portion A, by hooking around the edges thereof, whichare bent outward for the purpose, as shown at e, Fig. IIL

In operating with my improved excavator, which is designed for loosesoils, comparatively free from stone, the U-portion is first forced intotheground by the foot, after the manner of an ordinary spade, with itssides slightly distended, as indicated inFig. II.

The sides are then drawn together, by turning the hand-nut c, till theyassume the position, or substan-V tially that shown in Fig. III, whichpermits the en gagement of the end of the slide D therewith. This slideis now forced with the earth, gradually compressing the sides of A andthe dirt therein asit descends. This contraction of the sides andcompression of the earth, in connection with the lesser area of thelowen end ofthe "excavator, frees the instrument from its adherence tothe sides of the hole, and enables it and the dirt therein to be readilywithdrawn together, leaving the hole of the required size, and excavatedto the required depth.

It is evident that the manner of connecting the slide with the portion Amay be varied, withoutchanging the nature of my instrument.

The advantages of my improvement are obvious.

What I claim as my invention, is

The rod and nut C c, arranged and operating with thepartiahy-cylindrical portion A and slide D, substantially as set forth.HENRY SUTLIFF.

Witnesses:

HOWARD ELMER, C. A. THOMPSON.

